On-the-spot blood vitamin D testing in pharmacies and dental clinics.

What is the role of vitamin D?

Vitamin D supports calcium absorption, bone mineralization, muscle, and immune function. Low levels of vitamin D raise the risk of rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Very high levels, usually from supplements, can contribute to hypercalcemia.

Vitamin D measurement is used in dentistry. Adequate vitamin D levels may support stronger osseointegration, which can contribute to better dental implant stability. When vitamin D is lacking, the bone’s ability to remodel around the implant may be reduced, potentially delaying healing and raising the chance of complications.

What factors influence vitamin D levels?

One of the factors influencing vitamin D levels is sun exposure, as well as adjustments to sun exposure such as sunscreen usage. Another factor is diet - fatty fish, fish liver oils, dairy products, and eggs are rich in vitamin D. Of course, individual factors, such as skin color, body fat composition, and certain health conditions and medications, affect vitamin D levels.

Why vitamin D testing matters in pharmacies and in dental clinics?

Vitamin D testing in both pharmacies and dental clinics is important because it helps detect deficiencies early, allowing pharmacists to guide supplementation and dentists to optimize bone healing and implant outcomes.

Offering vitamin D testing allows pharmacies to:

• Deliver new health services to customers.
• Identify at-risk groups.
• Enhance customer trust and engagement.
• Generate additional revenue through expanded services and supplements.

How is vitamin D measured?

• Sample: Blood.
• Analyte: 25(OH)D.
• Units: ng/mL.

Interpretation: Always follow the instructions for use (IFU) provided to your pharmacy or dental clinic with the device and a test kit.

Vitamin D testing with Igloo Reader Pro

Vitamin D can be measured rapidly from a small capillary blood sample on the Igloo Reader Pro in a pharmacy or in a dental clinic or any other health-related point-of-care business. Results can be recorded and tracked in the app and combined with other markers where relevant.

Benefits for pharmacies:

• Provide fast, reliable vitamin D testing for customers.
• Expand the range of in-pharmacy services.
• Support early identification of vitamin D deficiency or overload for pharmacy or dental clinic customers.
• Seamlessly integrate into daily pharmacy or dental clinic operations.

What are normal vitamin D values?

In adults, normal ranges are typically 20 to 50 ng/mL, though slight variations may exist depending on the laboratory or testing device.

What are low and high vitamin D levels?

• Low level: 12 - 20 ng/mL.
• Very low level: <12 ng/mL, suggests vitamin D deficiency.
• Very high level: >50 ng/mL, potential risks rise with excessive supplementation.

It is important to underline that many labs have slightly different guidelines and reference intervals, which should be taken into consideration while looking at the clinical context. The normal ranges may differ depending on age, sex, and other parameters.

In cases of low vitamin D, pharmacies can provide guidance on potential vitamin D-rich dietary sources, commonly recommended supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, while always referring customers to a clinician for personalized evaluation and supplementation advice.

Why pharmacies and dental clinics should offer vitamin D testing?

Adding vitamin D testing allows pharmacies and dental clinics to:

• Strengthen their role as community health and wellness hubs.
• Offer rapid vitamin D status checks directly to customers.
• Provide supplements, guidance, or referrals when needed.
• Open new revenue streams through testing services.

Learn more about the Pharmacy Starter Kit >

Literature

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D: Consumer Fact Sheet.
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP).

Disclaimer

This information is educational and does not qualify as medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.